I'm Not Dead - Pink

La Face
2006

In a world full of plastic pop stars moulded and trained into becoming different versions of the same thing, Pink stands alone as a young and original artist within the contemporary field. Pink is not quite rock, not quite hip hop and not quite pop. She is a little bit of them all…she is Pink; enough said really.

After the disappointing sales of her last album “Try This” (which in itself was a good album that just didn’t seem to click with the wider audience), “I’m Not Dead” continues Pick’s tradition of coming out swinging in a way that refuses to take a backwards step in spite of her critics. She defies the ever-changing “what’s cool at the moment” list, preferring to deliver music that encapsulates her opinions, passion and talents.

Each song is unique, and both an expression of her vibrant ability, as well as an outlet for her uncontrollable energy. She ranges wildly from dance floor anthems to hard rock and pure pop, making sure the listener is never bored. Predictable this girl is not! I pity the album producer who tries to tame her, or pushes the wants of the record label ahead of her artistry.

Highlights include the commercially successful single “Stupid Girls” (anything which launches broadsides at Paris Hilton and other socialite-types within the workings of a great song is notable in my eyes), the reflective and moving “Conversations With My Thirteen Year Old Self” and the power ragings of “Long Way To Happy”.

She also teams up with her dad, Jim Moore, in an anti-war driven hidden track which serves as a nice bonus and further expands her repertoire.

Pink couldn’t care less if Paris and friends are bitching about her relentlessly; she seems determined to show that you don’t have to flaunt your sexuality or become something you are not to succeed. That’s a positive message which adds a layer of quality to the album.

If you are looking for some quality in a sea of modern-day music mediocrity, Pink delivers with “I’m Not Dead”. Please note, language warning is necessary.

OVERALL RATING: A